Director of Immigration Benson Kwok said today that around 335 million passengers passed through Hong Kong's control points in 2025, representing an increase of about 12% over 2024 and marking a new record high that  surpasses the 300 million figure recorded in 2019. 

Mr Kwok hosted a press conference to review the work of the Immigration Department over the past year and to look ahead to the future. 

He revealed that the total number of visitor arrivals last year was around 49.89 million, a 12% increase year on year.

In 2025, the department won the Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service for the fifth time in the World Passenger Survey commissioned by Skytrax, an international specialist research agency for the air transport industry. 

On law enforcement, the department conducted a total of 19,980 operations against illegal employment activities, up 12% compared to 2024. 

It also conducted a total of 13,853 counter-terrorism related inspection operations at various immigration control points, with 22,207 passengers being intercepted for enquiries. 

Mr Kwok also mentioned that the department determined over 2,500 non-refoulement claims in 2025. As at the end of 2025, there were about 650 claims pending screening.

Looking ahead, Mr Kwok revealed that the department will establish Hong Kong's first contactless clearance pilot checkpoint at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port.

It will enable identity verification through facial recognition technology, allowing for unimpeded immigration clearance.

The contactless clearance pilot scheme is anticipated for launch in the second quarter of this year.

In addition, starting from the current quarter, a total of 26 new additional e-Channels will be installed gradually at the airport’s arrival hall, while the existing 26 e-Channels will be replaced in stages. 

Meanwhile, the applicable age of the Flight Token e-Channel service will be extended to 7 years old or above from the second quarter of this year onwards to benefit more departing eligible Hong Kong residents and visitors.

The department is also working with the Marine Department on a proposal to conduct preliminary vetting of the information of the crew and passengers of visiting yachts by using the Marine Department’s electronic business system, thereby shortening the time for immigration clearance.